Bruxelles

Melissa and I got our weekend adventuring off to a good start with a trip to Brussels. We weren't there for very long but we got a good taste of the city and took care of everything on our list (Waffles, Pomme Frites, Beers, Mussels, Chocolate). Brussels reminds me a lot of Quebec City, or a smaller, cleaner Paris. Melissa has a serious camera so I let her do most of the picture taking. I have posted a few at the bottom but I hope to get hers to share as well.


We got in early Saturday morning and headed immediately into town. We didn't do much research in advance so we just went straight to the city center. After a quick (as if anything is ever quick) breakfast we hit the tourist spots. One of the main attractions is the Grand Place, a great big open square surrounded on all sides by impressive and historic buildings. We went wandering from there and stumbled upon Brussels' prized statue, Manneken Pis, what was created to commemorate a boy who put out a fire by peeing on it. We spent the rest of the afternoon shopping (I got some really great boots) and relaxed with some pots of mussels. Because we left for the airport at 5:15 that morning, we both needed a napski, badski. Back at the hotel we enjoyed some Fresh Prince and Simpsons in English before dozing off.


For dinner, we hit up a street with shoulder-to-shoulder restaurants. Each was exactly the same as the previous, even with the same menus. They used tactics that we were familiar with from places such as E 6th St and Little Italy where someone stands outside and harasses you until you run away or come inside. We picked one that seemed to be the least obnoxious and sat down for dinner. There was a regular, prix fixe, drink, and wine menu, each to be received only upon specific request so it took us a few rounds to figure out what to order. We each got a three course prix fixe. For the first course, we both selected fondu (who wouldn't?!). Well, it turned out to be the biggest crime ever committed against cheese. Not only was it NOT the fondu we were expecting but the cheese croquettes we received were nearly inedible. Our next courses were chicken/steak au poivre, one of my french faves, followed up by a waffle!


After dinner we went to the Delirium Tremens Bar. Turned out to be a total backpacker spot but I guess that's what we were expecting. After enjoying a few local brews we called it a night. But no night is complete without a stop at the pomme frites stand! I got a big guy with the recommended sauce hoping it would top Pomme Frites on 2nd Ave. Bad news, it didn't. I prefer the copy to the classic because as Luanne stated best, "fries are just the medium to get sauce in my belly."


This morning we slept in and it was fantastic. We watched a quick episode of Who's the Boss and went out to catch brunch nearby the Congo Quarter. Lunch was interesting because the menu was in French and Dutch. I have German menu skills but we were lost with these two languages. Melissa went safe with lasagna and I took my chances with the vegetarian pasta. It turned out to be a random combo of broccoli sprouts, walnuts, and zucchini but the grated parmesan tied it all together. 


The problem with the language thing is that I'm so used to trying to speak german that this french/dutch thing is really throwing me off. Our waiter said goodbye to us in french and i responded in german! at least it's becoming a habit. At one point I was so jumbled up with whether to say Merci, Danke, or Thank You that I accidentally said gracias.


We picked up some tasty souvenirs and hit the train. I'm exhausted but it was worth it. Can't wait for the next trip! Here are some pictures from the weekend:





Tomorrow morning I have my residence permit meeting bright and early. If I don't post again soon it's because I got deported for filling out my form wrong.